THE INQUEST ON THE LATE WILLIAM HOLMES.

Kumara Times, Issue 3021, 9 July 1886, Page 2

THE INQUEST ON THE LATE WILLIAM HOLMES.

An inquest was held at the Post Office Hotel, Hokitika, at noon yesterday on the body of the late Mr Wi'liam Holmes (the well-known coach proprietor), before the Coroner, J. Giles Esq., and a jury of six, from which it appears that on Wednesday morning Mr Holmes started on a pigeou shootinw expedition in company with a lad named Fane. On reaching Kennedy's they separated, Fane taking; one path and Holmes another. Fane heard Holmes fire six shots, but after some time he became alarmed at Holmes's absence, more especially as the latter's dogs, whining and showing signs of restlessness, returned without their mister. Fane gave an alarm towards evening and the miners in the neighborhood turned out to search for the missing man, whose faint groauing was at last heard to proceed from the bottom of an abaudoned shaft, down which he had fallen. He was rescued from his horrible situation at about 9 p.m. bnt only to die, for he expired just as he was drawn up. His skull was fractured, his arm broken, and his body frightfully shattered. Dr Collins arrived before the poor fellow died, but no human aid could possibly have saved him. The abondoned shaft down which he was precipitated, is no less than 130 feet deep. It is situated on the slope of a terrace and the deceased probably fell into it as he was coming down hill. The shaft is slabbed about thirty feet down, and one of the slabs, clutched probably by Holmes as he fell, was found lying on his body. There seems little doubt that the accident occurred '.out 9 a.m., so that the unfortunate man was near twelve hours in his dreadful position. The Guardian states that tho deceased was a very old resident of Hok:tika, one of the old iden ,; Mes, in f MC t. He was a quiet, respectable man, and generally liked. Ho leaves a widow and four young children. The Times remarks that one pleasant feature in connection with the distress.

ing fatality that has overtaken poor Holmes is the provision made for bis his family. About two years ago he was induced to insure his life, and bis wife and children, instead of being cast destitute upon the world, will have the modest competence of £3OO with which which to help to make up for the loss of the bread winner.